Journal of Plant Biotechnology and Microbiology

All submissions of the EM system will be redirected to Online Manuscript Submission System. Authors are requested to submit articles directly to Online Manuscript Submission System of respective journal.
Reach Us +441518081136

Editorial - Journal of Plant Biotechnology and Microbiology (2025) Volume 8, Issue 3

Molecular Breeding for Sustainable Agriculture: Reducing Inputs, Increasing Yields

Zaffar Seid *

Department of Plant Science, Wollo University, Ethiopia

Corresponding Author:
Zaffar Seid
Department of Plant Science,
Wollo University,
Ethiopia;
E-mail: zhseid@gmail.com

Received: 02-May-2025, Manuscript No. AAPBM-25-169149; Editor assigned: 03-May-2025, AAPBM-25-169149 (PQ); Reviewed: 16-May-2025, QC No. AAPBM-25-169149; Revised: 21-May-2025, Manuscript No. AAPBM-25-169149 (R); Published: 28-Jan-2025, DOI: 10.35841/aapbm.8.3.191

Citation: Seid Z. Molecular breeding for sustainable agriculture: Reducing inputs, increasing yields. J Plant Bio Technol. 2025;8(3):191.

Visit for more related articles at Journal of Plant Biotechnology and Microbiology

Introduction

Global agriculture is at a crossroads. With the world’s population projected to exceed 9 billion by 2050, the demand for food is surging. Simultaneously, environmental constraints such as climate change, soil degradation, and water scarcity are intensifying. Traditional farming methods, heavily reliant on chemical inputs and land expansion, are no longer viable for long-term sustainability. Molecular breeding offers a transformative solution: enhancing crop yields while reducing the need for fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation. By leveraging genetic insights and cutting-edge technologies, molecular breeding is reshaping agriculture into a more efficient, resilient, and eco-friendly enterprise [1, 2].

Molecular breeding refers to the use of molecular biology tools such as DNA markers, genome sequencing, and gene editing to accelerate and refine the process of developing improved crop varieties. Unlike conventional breeding, which relies on phenotypic selection and crossbreeding, molecular breeding enables precise manipulation of genetic traits, significantly shortening breeding cycles and improving accuracy [3, 4].

These tools allow breeders to identify and select for traits such as drought tolerance, nutrient efficiency, and disease resistance with unprecedented precision. One of the most promising applications of molecular breeding is enhancing nutrient use efficiency (NUE). Crops with improved NUE can absorb and utilize nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus more effectively, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. For example, rice and wheat varieties bred for better root architecture and transporter gene expression have shown significant reductions in fertilizer requirements [5, 6].

Molecular breeding enables the development of crops with built-in resistance to pests and pathogens, minimizing the reliance on chemical pesticides. By identifying resistance genes and stacking them through gene pyramiding, breeders have created varieties of maize, cotton, and tomato that withstand major threats like stem borers, bollworms, and blights. Drought-tolerant crops are essential in water-scarce regions. Molecular breeding has facilitated the identification of genes associated with stomatal regulation, root depth, and osmotic adjustment. Edited varieties of sorghum and millet, for instance, have demonstrated improved yields under limited irrigation. Yield is a complex trait influenced by multiple genes and environmental factors. Molecular breeding allows for the simultaneous selection of multiple yield-related traits using genomic selection models. This approach has led to breakthroughs in crops like rice, where editing genes such as GS3, GW2, and DEP1 has resulted in larger grains and higher biomass [7, 8].

Moreover, molecular breeding enhances harvest index, photosynthetic efficiency, and reproductive success, all of which contribute to greater productivity per unit of land. These benefits align with the goals of climate-smart agriculture and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to zero hunger, clean water, and responsible consumption. Molecular breeding introduced pest-resistant Bt cotton, reducing pesticide use by over 50% and increasing yields by 30%. As these technologies converge, molecular breeding will become even more powerful, enabling tailored solutions for diverse agroecosystems [9, 10].

Conclusion

Molecular breeding is not just a scientific advancement—it’s a strategic imperative for sustainable agriculture. By reducing inputs and increasing yields, it addresses the dual challenge of feeding a growing population while protecting the planet. As we move toward a future of climate uncertainty and resource constraints, molecular breeding offers a beacon of hope: smarter crops for a smarter world.

References

  1. Reganold JP, Wachter JM. Organic agriculture in the twenty-first century. Nat Plants. 2016;2(2):1-8.

    2. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  2. Thudi M, Palakurthi R, Schnable JC, et al. Genomic resources in plant breeding for sustainable agriculture. J Plant Physiol. 2021;257:153351.

    3. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  3. Zulfiqar F, Russell G, Hancock JT. Molecular hydrogen in agriculture. Planta. 2021;254(3):1-4.

    4. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  4. Zulfiqar F, Navarro M, Ashraf M, et al. Nanofertilizer use for sustainable agriculture: Advantages and limitations. Plant Sci. 2019;289:110270.

    5. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  5. Lew TT, Sarojam R, Jang IC, et al. Species-independent analytical tools for next-generation agriculture. Nat Plants. 2020;(12):1408-17.

    6. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

Get the App